Mineral Properties Quick Check

What is the scale used to measure the hardness of minerals?

• Newton scale

• Smith scale

• Johnson scale

• Mohs scale

What is the difference between cleavage and fracture in minerals?

• Cleavage is the way a mineral breaks along flat planes, while fracture is the way a mineral breaks irregularly.

• Cleavage and fracture both refer to the way a mineral breaks along flat planes.

• Cleavage is the way a mineral breaks irregularly, while fracture is the way a mineral breaks along flat planes.

• Cleavage and fracture are the same thing and can be used interchangeably.

What term refers to the way light interacts with the surface of a mineral?

• luster

• fragrance

• opacity

• texture

What is the color of a mineral in powdered form called?

• Shimmer

• Streak

• Glimmer

• Glitter

What is the term for the way a mineral reflects light?

• luster

• shine

• sparkle

• glow

What is the hardest mineral on the Mohs scale?

• diamond

• gypsum

• calcite

• quartz

What is the term for the way a mineral breaks when it IS NOT a smooth surface?

• smoothness

• fracture

• crystalization

• cleavage

What is the softest mineral on the Mohs scale?

• Talc

• Quartz

• Diamond

• Topaz

What is the term for the way a mineral breaks when it IS a smooth surface?

• cleavage

• smoothage

• breakage

• fracture

If a mineral has a metal-like appearance it is said to be ________.

• clear

• pearly

• metallic

• glassy